Definition

Noun: A sebaceous gland is a small organ in the skin. It produces an oily substance called sebum. This gland is usually connected to a hair follicle and releases sebum into it to lubricate and protect the hair and the surrounding skin.

Usage

The term "sebaceous gland" is used in medical, biological, and general health contexts to describe a specific type of skin gland and its function. - It is most commonly used as a countable noun (e.g., a sebaceous gland, the sebaceous glands). - It often appears when discussing skin anatomy, physiology, or conditions like acne.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Overactive sebaceous glands can lead to oily skin.
  • Each hair follicle is associated with one or more sebaceous glands.
  • The doctor explained that acne often starts when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked.

Advanced Usage

• "Sebaceous gland activity": Refers to the rate or level at which these glands produce sebum.
  • Hormonal changes during puberty increase sebaceous gland activity.
• "Sebaceous gland hyperplasia": A medical term for a benign condition where the glands become enlarged.
  • Sebaceous gland hyperplasia is common in older adults and appears as small, yellowish bumps.

Variants and Related Words

• Sebaceous (adjective): Of or relating to fat or sebum. Describes things connected to these glands.
  • The sebaceous duct carries sebum to the skin surface.
• Sebum (noun): The oily, waxy substance secreted by sebaceous glands.
  • Sebum helps to keep the skin waterproof and supple.

Synonyms

• Oil gland: A common, non-technical synonym.
  • The oil glands in your skin can become clogged with dirt and dead cells.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Hair follicle: The tiny tube in the skin from which a hair grows. Sebaceous glands typically empty into hair follicles.
• Cutaneous gland: A general term for any gland located in the skin. Sebaceous glands are a type of cutaneous gland.

Noun

1. a cutaneous gland that secretes sebum (usually into a hair follicle) for lubricating hair and skin